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Friday, August 22, 2014

Living By Faith

The word promises, "that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). When life sends trials and tribulations our way, many of us forget this powerful promise and grow bitter toward God. All the Flowers are holding tight to this promise and have seen the truth of it played out with power over the last year.

Jen's husband was working for a congregation when they heard the call of Christ, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). They answered that call and began making arrangements to move their family of five half-way around the world believing that the God that called them would supply the finances needed to care for their family. Although this hasn't happened in the way that they first thought it would, or in the abundance that would be nice, they have continued to rely on Him step by step and He continues to give them what they need moment by moment. They haven't grown bitter about their needs not being met as they had first thought, but just continue looking upward for their needs even when additional financial burdens have come their way.

I first met Jen and her oldest son after he began having some vision difficulties. The doctors in their city told them that he needed to go to a larger town to receive a costly and painful series of treatments. His condition has brought the two of them to our city (3 hours from their home) nearly monthly for a good part of this past school year.

I have sat with them in the waiting room and watched the tears of a mother's compassion flow from her eyes wishing that she could take the pain on herself. I have ridden the bus with them and heard the conviction in her voice when she talked about how God was working through their family and how she was convinced that He would meet this additional financial burden. I spent an early Christmas morning with the two of them when they had to leave for the doctor for him to receive another painful shot. Her son wasn't angry that he wasn't able to be with his family on this special day.

That sort of acceptance and attitude only comes from a child whose parents have raised him according to God's design. I have seen this godly attitude through the rest of the family as well.

Twice the other two children made the trip with them. They did what needed to be done so that their mom could take care of their brother, even if that meant hanging out with strangers. All three of the kids have played with patience and understanding with my young son. I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Flowers because he has always remained at home to keep the home fires burning. He has doubled up on classes so that Jen could see to their son's needs.

Although my acquaintance with this amazing family has been short, I have been most impressed with their sacrificial attitude in the midst of trial and adversity far from home. I hope that you are encouraged through their story as I have been through their life colliding with mine.

Jane

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(R), Copyright(c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

We first introduced the Flowers family here, and here is the link where you can give to them to help them continue their work.